What advice do you give someone who is trying to DM but got discouraged because he got told “you’re not Matt Mercer”?

what advice do you give someone who is trying to DM but got discouraged because he got told “you’re not Matt Mercer”? My husband is on the verge of handing over his dm position because of such criticism. That’s such an absurd thing to say, and honestly reflects more poorly on them than anyone. Every table and style of GMing is different, with different strengths that ultimately make their stories unique and special. I guarantee he does a number of things better than I!

Expectations at the table…expectations in life in general largely sets one up for disappointment, & in an unnecessary way. Be respectful and open, listen & engauge those who are willing to create and play with you, & you’ll find that unique joy with them even I can’t make!

What I’m trying to say is, in this case it’s less a fault of the DM and more the fault of the player. By that same standard, could you not retort “You’re no Sam Riegel”? Nope! Nor should you expect a player to be the same as another.

Ultimately, those expectations not only prevent you from engaging and being present in the game, they also prevent you from finding and connecting with the special spark that player brings to the table.